Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptised persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
– Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1601
A sacrament, not just a ceremony
Marriage is a sacrament in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another for life, and God gives the grace to live that promise faithfully.
A Catholic wedding is not simply a celebration or a legal event.
It is a public covenant, made before God and the Church, and ordered towards lifelong fidelity, the good of the spouses, and openness to new life.
In the Sacrament of Marriage, husband and wife become a sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church.
Marriage is therefore:
• lifelong
• faithful
• exclusive
• open to the gift of children
It is a vocation, not merely a personal choice.
Marriage presupposes faith and freedom
Because Marriage is a sacrament, it presupposes:
• freedom to marry
• understanding of what the Church teaches about marriage
• openness to living marriage as Catholics
For this reason, preparation for Marriage is not simply about planning a wedding day, but about discerning a vocation.
Effects of Matrimony
When two Christians are sacramentally married before a priest or deacon in church, God enters in and blesses their union. (1) A life-long and unbreakable bond is created between the spouses that no power on earth can break. (2) Through this sacrament God gives special graces to a husband and wife to live this union of love and life-long fidelity. (3) He may also gift them with children and by grace aid them in raising their children to be happy and holy.
Christian families are in a special and sacramental way icons of the Kingdom of God in our world, images of divine life and love that witness to the Gospel and bring vitality and joy to our society. A truly wonderful gift!
An Individualised Approach
Preparation for Marriage in the parish is personal, pastoral, and individualised.
We do not operate a one-size-fits-all programme or treat marriage preparation as a formality to be completed quickly.
Instead, preparation is shaped around:
• the couple’s situation
• their faith practice
• their readiness to enter sacramental marriage
This approach reflects the Church’s understanding that sacraments require proper disposition and freedom.
Beginning the process
Couples wishing to marry in the Church should make contact as early as possible, ideally at least six months before the proposed wedding date.
The first step is always a conversation, not a form.
This allows time for:
• listening
• explanation of the Church’s teaching
• clarification of any pastoral or canonical matters
What preparation involves
Marriage preparation normally includes:
• personal meetings with the priest
• reflection on the meaning of sacramental marriage
• discussion of faith, prayer, and family life
• preparation of the necessary paperwork
• guidance on living marriage as Catholics
Preparation is adapted to the couple and may take longer where circumstances require it.
Particular Situations
Some couples approach the Church in complex or sensitive circumstances, such as:
• living together before marriage
• previous civil marriage
• separation or divorce
• questions about faith practice
These situations are approached pastorally and respectfully, without judgement.
They do not automatically prevent marriage in the Church, but they do require honest conversation and discernment.
If you’ve been married before, or you’ve got married outside of the church and now want to come home, please don’t shy away from talking to us about it. Life can be complicated, and we understand that, and there may be some way we can help. There’s no harm in having the conversation.
How a Catholic Wedding Is Celebrated
A Catholic wedding normally takes place:
• within a Nuptial Mass, or
• within a Liturgy of the Word
The form of celebration is discussed during preparation, taking into account the couple’s faith practice and circumstances.
Marriage is celebrated within the life of the parish, not as a private event detached from the Church.
Important Information for Wedding Planning
• Only one wedding may be celebrated per church per day
• Dates and times are confirmed after the initial conversation
• Music and readings must be suitable for the sacred liturgy
• Fees and practical arrangements are explained clearly during preparation
Biblical Foundations of Matrimony
• Genesis 2:18-25
• Song of Solomon 8:6-7
• Matthew 19:1-12
• Mark 10:2-12
• John 2:1-11
• 1 Corinthians- chapter 13
• Ephesians 5:21-33
• 1 John 4:4-16
We also highly recommend reading the writings of St. Pope John Paul II on marriage and the family.
His 1982 encyclical, Familiaris Consortio (On the Family) and his 1994 Letter to Families are filled with the light, truth, beauty and goodness of marriage and family in Christ.
If you are:
• engaged and considering marriage in the Church
• unsure whether your situation allows for a Catholic wedding
• returning to the faith and exploring marriage
You are very welcome to make contact.
Preparation begins with conversation and accompaniment, not booking.
When you fall in love and decide to get married it is a beautiful thing, and something the Church celebrates. The Church is with you on this journey and our priests will help you prepare to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony. If you would like to get married please talk to the parish priest or contact the parish office at least six months before your hoped for wedding date.
“What God has joined together,
let no one separate.”
(Matthew 19:6)
That is the heart of Christian Marriage.